Start your ICEF experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
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[bio] => Vanessa-Sophia Verworn is the Director of Client Experience & Growth for ICEF's USA and Canada team. Over the last decade within the international education space, Vanessa鈥檚 background includes recruiting at the secondary education level, where she served as an international admissions officer at a Canadian boarding school, managing a global team that recruited in various regions and developing student markets. Over several years she was active attendee at ICEF who utlizied the (IAS) Agent Network for promoting her school's programs. This gave her a practiced expertise in international recruitment and now works with institutions to build and optimize their agent partnerships for enrollment success. She enjoys guiding ICEF clients to analyze global trends to craft effective international enrollment strategies.
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[title] => Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
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The term 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.聽
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.聽
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.聽
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[bio] => Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
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[title] => Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
[summary] =>
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.聽
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can鈥檛 be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
锘�
In this panel discussion, we鈥檒l explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.聽
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.聽
View the full event seminar programme for ICEF Secondary Education Budapest, where we welcome guest speakers and panellists to discuss the latest trends in international education. The seminars take place on September 23rd between 14:30 and 19:00.
View:
From
to
Wed Sep 23
14:00 - 14:25
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
14:0014:25Seminar room
Discussion
Vanessa-Sophia VerwornDirector of Client Experience & Growth, ICEF
14:30 - 14:55
TBA
14:3014:55Seminar room
Presentation
15:00 - 15:25
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
15:0015:25Seminar room
CPD AccreditedInterview
15:30 - 15:55
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
15:3015:55Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPresentation
Jonathan HillSenior Manager, Fragomen LLP
16:00 - 16:30
Refreshment break
16:30 - 17:25
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
16:3017:25Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
17:30 - 18:10
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
17:3018:10Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
18:15 - 18:55
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
18:1518:55Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Wed 鈥� Sep 2314:00 - 14:25Seminar room
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
Discussion
Presenter
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn is the Director of Client Experience & Growth for ICEF's USA and Canada team. Over the last decade within the international education space, Vanessa鈥檚 background includes recruiting at the secondary education level, where she served as an international admissions officer at a Canadian boarding school, managing a global team that recruited in various regions and developing student markets. Over several years she was active attendee at ICEF who utlizied the (IAS) Agent Network for promoting her school's programs. This gave her a practiced expertise in international recruitment and now works with institutions to build and optimize their agent partnerships for enrollment success. She enjoys guiding ICEF clients to analyze global trends to craft effective international enrollment strategies.
Director of Client Experience & Growth, ICEF
Start your ICEF experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
Wed 鈥� Sep 2314:30 - 14:55Seminar room
TBA
Presentation
Wed 鈥� Sep 2315:00 - 15:25Seminar room
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
CPD AccreditedInterview
The term 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.聽
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.聽
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
Wed 鈥� Sep 2315:30 - 15:55Seminar room
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
CPD AccreditedPresentation
Presenter
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
Senior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.聽
16:00 - 16:30
Refreshment break
Wed 鈥� Sep 2316:30 - 17:25Seminar room
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.聽
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
Wed 鈥� Sep 2317:30 - 18:10Seminar room
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can鈥檛 be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
锘�
In this panel discussion, we鈥檒l explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
Wed 鈥� Sep 2318:15 - 18:55Seminar room
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.聽
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.聽
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
Discussion
Vanessa-Sophia VerwornPresenterDirector of Client Experience & Growth, ICEF
Start your ICEF experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
14:30 - 14:55Seminar room
TBA
Presentation
15:00 - 15:25Seminar room
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
InterviewCPD Accredited
The term 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, 鈥渃ulture shock鈥� can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.聽
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.聽
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
15:30 - 15:55Seminar room
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
PresentationCPD Accredited
Jonathan HillPresenterSenior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.聽
16:30 - 17:25Seminar room
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.聽
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
17:30 - 18:10Seminar room
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can鈥檛 be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
锘�
In this panel discussion, we鈥檒l explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
18:15 - 18:55Seminar room
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.聽
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.聽
Wednesday, September 23Thursday, September 24Friday, September 25
